We are delighted to announce the promotion of Thea Rowe to Senior Surveyor. Thea joined BGP over 6 years ago in a different guise and over the last few years has taken on a very hands on approach to joining the agency world.

Thea works across both the leasing and tenant representation team which has gained her some invaluable knowledge and an ability to advise her clients in quite a unique way. With a focus on restaurants, leisure and wellness sector across London and major regional cities, her meticulous approach to leasing and this teamed with unrivalled relationships and knowledge of the newest trends and brands means she is a great asset to clients. Some key clients include Atis, Oowee Vegan, Tattu, The Soke, Stanhope, Fore Partnership & GPE.

Tracey Pollard Bruce Gillingham Pollard MD comments “We have always believed in the importance of training and mentoring our team, so they can develop within the business. We are therefore delighted to have watched Thea’s experience and knowledge grow. It’s clear she has developed a valuable understanding of her clients businesses and can offer insights into both Landlords and Tenants decision making  processes, which ensures she offers well rounded and professional advice to her clients”.

So, is this the vision of future shopping habits? What might have been a 5/10 year vision 12 months ago, COVID 19 has accelerated the move to a more “omni-channel” experience. The Issa Brothers and TDR’s acquisition of ASDA came with this idea – no longer a behemoth store with a vast car park, but a hive of activity including “click and collect” drive through channels; fleets of vans on electric charge ready to deliver to the local community and complementary brands within the store, perhaps offering “high street” services (laundry, hairdressing, café etc).

The shift to online business is now the “genie out of the bottle”. Internet food sales now account for >13% of the total cake, and OCADO, the pure online grocery retailer, now has a market cap higher than Tesco. Despite this, the big 4 have an enormous physical store presence which they can better use to fulfil the customer needs. Supermarket Income REIT and their investors certainly think so, being close to raising c£200m of fresh equity, and London Metric, who we helped acquire 5 Waitrose food stores for £63 million during the summer.

Bruce Gillingham Pollard are delighted to announce the promotion of Dominic Tixerant to Associate Director and the appointment of Nick Goodman as Consultant.

Dominic joined in 2016 as part of the annual graduate intake, passed his APC in 2019 and subsequently has risen to become a key member of the team. Dominic works within the London leasing team, and advises some of BGP’s most established clients including Canary Wharf Group, The Crown Estate, Hondo Enterprises and The Dulwich Estate. He has as instinctive awareness of the elements required to create a dynamic tenant line up whilst being commercial minded.

Nick Goodman has over 20 years’ experience in the retail and leisure sector, advising both occupiers and landlords throughout London and the South East. Nick brings with him a wealth of experience, knowledge and relationships including the Cooperative Group Food Ltd, Gymbox and Hollywood Bowl.

Nick Goodman said “I am delighted to have joined BGP with their great market coverage, sector expertise and experience”.

Woody Bruce, Founding Director at Bruce Gillingham Pollard said:

“We are always so proud to see our team flourish and grow within the business. Dom has made a massive contribution to the business in recent years and we are excited to see his career develop. As well as developing new talent, we know it is so important to balance our team, with experience and knowledge, particularly in a time when clients need us to think more creatively. Nick offers experience in both London and National projects, whilst also providing further insight into how retailers operate, which will add real value to our business”.